Long Island Campsite

For Wisconsinites who truly embrace the call of the wild and dream of an authentic island camping experience, Long Island Campsite offers a unique and unforgettable adventure. Located near La Pointe, Wisconsin, within the stunning Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, this campsite is not for the faint of heart, but rather for those who seek solitude, natural beauty, and a direct connection with Lake Superior. Unlike many drive-up campgrounds, Long Island provides a more primitive and secluded setting, making it an ideal destination for sea kayakers and boaters looking to explore the pristine wilderness of the Apostle Islands. It’s a chance to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in one of Wisconsin's most breathtaking natural treasures.

Long Island Campsite is managed by the National Park Service and embodies the rugged charm of wilderness camping. It’s a place where the sounds of waves and wildlife replace the everyday noise, offering a profound sense of peace and isolation. While it requires a bit more planning and self-sufficiency, the rewards are immense: unparalleled views of Lake Superior, abundant opportunities for wildlife viewing, and the unique satisfaction of a truly remote getaway. This campsite is particularly well-suited for those who appreciate a less developed camping experience, focusing on the natural environment rather than extensive amenities. It’s a destination that resonates with the adventurous spirit of many Wisconsin locals, inviting them to discover the raw beauty of our state's northern frontier.

Long Island Campsite is situated in a unique and remote location within the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, near La Pointe, Wisconsin. The address provided, P6G9+QM, La Pointe, WI 54891, USA, is a Plus Code, indicating its precise geographical coordinates. More specifically, public information confirms that Long Island Campsite is located approximately 0.5 miles southeast of the La Pointe Lighthouse station on the northeast side of Long Island. It is crucial for visitors to understand that this campsite, like most within the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, is NOT accessible by car or RV. There is no drive-up access whatsoever. Instead, access is exclusively by watercraft – primarily sea kayak, motorboat, sailboat, or via shuttle service or water taxi from the mainland (typically from Bayfield) or from Madeline Island. For those coming from the mainland, the Madeline Island Ferry Line operates between Bayfield and La Pointe on Madeline Island, from which further water arrangements would need to be made to reach Long Island. This remote access is a key part of the campsite's primitive charm and ensures a tranquil environment, far removed from the bustle of typical campgrounds.

As a primitive campsite within a National Lakeshore, Long Island Campsite offers essential amenities designed to support a self-sufficient camping experience while preserving the natural environment. The focus is on providing basic necessities for comfortable, low-impact camping. It's important for visitors to arrive prepared for a rustic experience, as services are limited compared to developed campgrounds.

• Tent Areas: Designated tent areas provide suitable, relatively flat ground for pitching tents, ensuring minimal impact on the surrounding ecosystem.
• Picnic Table: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, offering a convenient surface for meal preparation and dining.
• Fire Ring: A dedicated fire ring is provided at each site for campfires, allowing visitors to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of an open fire safely.
• Food Locker: Bear-resistant food lockers (or "bear boxes") are a crucial amenity, required for safe food storage to protect against bears and other wildlife.
• Stump Privy: Basic, non-flush "stump privies" (outhouses) are available for waste disposal, reflecting the primitive nature of the campsite.
• Beach Landing Access: The campsite is specifically noted to have "adequate beach landing for kayakers," indicating suitable shoreline for launching and landing small watercraft.
• No Potable Water: Visitors must bring all their own drinking water, as potable water is not available on the island.
• Pack It In, Pack It Out: All refuse and garbage must be carried out of the park by campers, reinforcing Leave No Trace principles.
• No Electric Hookups: There are no electric hookups available at these primitive sites.

The allure of Long Island Campsite lies in its unique natural features and the raw, immersive experience it offers. It stands out precisely because it lacks many of the conventional amenities found in more developed campgrounds, instead emphasizing solitude, natural beauty, and a genuine connection with Lake Superior. Its highlights cater to the adventurous and self-reliant camper.

• Unparalleled Solitude and Seclusion: Being an island campsite accessible only by water, Long Island offers a level of peace and quiet that is hard to find at drive-up campgrounds. It's ideal for those seeking a true escape from crowds.
• Stunning Lake Superior Views: Located on Long Island, campers are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Superior, including glorious sunrises and sunsets over the vast expanse of water.
• Ideal for Sea Kayaking and Boating: The campsite's accessibility primarily by water makes it a prime destination for sea kayakers and boaters exploring the Apostle Islands. Its beach landing is noted as adequate for such craft.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The untouched nature of the island means ample opportunities for observing local wildlife, including various bird species and potentially other terrestrial animals.
• Authentic Wilderness Experience: With basic amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, food lockers, and privies, the campsite provides an authentic, primitive camping experience, encouraging self-reliance and environmental respect.
• Proximity to La Pointe Lighthouse: Being near the historic La Pointe Lighthouse adds a touch of historical interest and offers a scenic point to visit (approximately 0.5 miles away).
• Part of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Camping here means being immersed in a federally protected area of immense natural beauty, providing access to other islands and Lake Superior's unique ecology.
• Leave No Trace Environment: The "pack it in, pack it out" policy emphasizes responsible recreation and helps maintain the pristine condition of the island.

For those brave enough to embark on an adventure to Long Island Campsite, direct contact is generally not for booking specific sites, but rather for general inquiries about the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore or through the National Park Service reservation system. Since the provided information does not include a direct phone number for Long Island Campsite itself (as it's a specific site within a larger park system), the contact for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is most relevant for general information, safety, and permitting.

Address: P6G9+QM, La Pointe, WI 54891, USA (This is the specific Plus Code for the location)

For inquiries and reservations related to camping within Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, it is best to contact the National Park Service directly or use their official reservation platform.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Headquarters Phone: (715) 779-3397 (This number is for the park headquarters and relevant for camping inquiries).

Note: Reservations for all Apostle Islands National Lakeshore campsites, including Long Island, are typically made through Recreation.gov and are required in advance. It is crucial to plan your trip, understand the primitive nature of the site, and make all necessary arrangements for water transport, food, and water.

For Wisconsinites seeking a truly unparalleled and adventurous outdoor experience, Long Island Campsite is an ideal destination. Its unique location within the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, accessible only by water, makes it a prime choice for those who crave solitude, natural beauty, and a genuine connection with Lake Superior. For local sea kayakers, canoeists, and boaters, it offers an incredible opportunity for multi-day trips and exploring the archipelago's pristine islands. The primitive nature of the campsite, with its emphasis on self-sufficiency and Leave No Trace principles, appeals to those who truly value wilderness camping and are prepared for a rustic experience. While it lacks the amenities of a typical drive-up campground, the rewards—stunning sunsets, abundant wildlife, and the profound peace of a secluded island—are immense. For adventurous Wisconsinites, Long Island Campsite provides an authentic, challenging, and deeply rewarding way to experience the wild heart of our state's iconic northern waters, making it a truly suitable and unforgettable local escape.